Contact: Jill Zuckman, Tell.: (202) 366-4570
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $10.5 Million in Economic Recovery Funds for Pennsylvania Airports, Including $5 Million for Philadelphia International Airport
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced that Philadelphia International Airport will receive $5 million in federal funds under the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). He made the announcement at the airport and was joined by Governor Ed Rendell, Mayor Michael Nutter and members of Congress.
“This money will put people to work at airports across Pennsylvania while providing an important investment in aviation safety and efficiency,” said Secretary LaHood.
"Philadelphia International Airport is a regional and national asset serving more than 30 million passengers a year,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “These critical recovery dollars will go a long way toward creating good jobs and building on this great asset. We're ready to get to work."
“This stimulus funding for the Philadelphia International Airport equals increased safety, more jobs and it is a clear signal that the Obama administration is making good on its pledge to get badly needed resources to the states and struggling cities,“ said Congressman Robert Brady. “It’s good to have a friend in the White House.”
“I am pleased to see the stimulus funds at work in Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Senator Arlen Specter. “This funding will allow the airports to make much-needed repairs and safety serve the millions of passengers that frequent the airports each year.”
“These projects will help reduce congestion, enhance safety and improve the overall operation of Pennsylvania’s airports,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey. “More importantly, it will create jobs at a time when we need them. Today’s announcement is another example of how the Recovery Act is benefiting Pennsylvania and I am pleased to work with the Obama Administration to move these projects forward.”
“These funds are part of the billions of dollars flowing to the Philadelphia region as part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to reset and jump start the American economy with job producing stimulus programs,” said Congressman Chaka Fattah. “Today’s announcement is win-win– needed jobs for our workers and safety improvements for travelers using our national and international gateway.”
“This investment in Pennsylvania's infrastructure is critical. Congress and the Administration have acted to give the states the resources to ensure our roads, bridges and public transportation systems are supported,” said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. “This investment puts people to work, strengthens our communities, and allows our businesses to thrive. Our investment is also immediate. These projects are shovel ready, and are a piece of our road toward our national recovery.”
Secretary LaHood visited Philadelphia as part of a three-day tour of ARRA projects already underway in the northeastern United States.
The funds will be used for the third phase of the rehabilitation of Runway 9R/27L. This phase of the project will include replacing the runway pavement and lighting. The runway requires rehabilitation to maintain safe operations.
In addition, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport will receive $1 million to install guidance signs, Northeast Philadelphia Airport will receive $1 million to rehabilitate a taxiway, and Lancaster Airport will receive $3.5 million to rehabilitate a taxiway.
“The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is a vital part of economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Paul Kanjorski. “I thank Secretary LaHood and Governor Rendell for coming to my Congressional District to make this significant announcement. During a time when the country and region are experiencing such high unemployment rates, today’s announcement is another piece of the 3.5 million jobs that the recovery package will save or create throughout the country, and the 7,800 jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to this funding, I have also helped secure over $72 million in federal funding for the airport for reconstruction projects. I hope that we can continue to employ more workers locally at the facility and help improve the airport.”
About 3,400 airports designated as part of the national airport system are eligible to receive ARRA funds. The FAA is moving swiftly to work with airport sponsors to ensure eligible projects have completed or nearly completed, design and planning requirements.
Under ARRA, the FAA received $1.1 billion for qualified airports on a discretionary basis. That funding will be distributed based on a project priority system that addresses airport safety and security, infrastructure, runway safety, increased capacity, and mitigation of environmental impacts.
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